Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions Preview
In a showdown that promises to be a battle of contrasting styles, the Detroit Lions will face the formidable Los Angeles Rams this Sunday. The roar of the Lions will clash with the relentless charge of the Rams in a game that holds significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
With their last meeting on October 24th, 2021, the Rams were victorious 28-19 at home. While they secured the last victory, these teams are nothing alike. The Rams have exciting, young talent such as Puka Nacua and Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions are going to have to pull something special out this weekend.
Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions Head-To-Head and Key Stats
The number one seed in the NFC North faces off against the second seed in the NFC West this Sunday night. It’s an exciting game for anyone looking to bet on the NFL wildcard matchup. Interestingly, Detroit holds a 3-2 record against Los Angeles in their last five meetings. With that in mind, over their last five head-to-head matchups, Detroit has put up 132 points, while Los Angeles has compiled 108.
The Rams, led by their offensive maestro Matthew Stafford, have been a force to be reckoned with in the passing game. Stafford’s reunion with former Detroit teammates adds a narrative to this matchup. Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods have been dynamic playmakers for the Rams. The Lions’ secondary will face a tough test.
On the other side, the Lions, under the guidance of Jared Goff, will look to exploit the Rams’ defense. Goff’s familiarity with the Rams’ defensive schemes could play a crucial role in deciphering the formidable unit led by Aaron Donald. The battle between the Lions’ offensive line and the Rams’ defensive front will be one to watch.
Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions Predictions
In a game that could swing in either direction, both sides will leave no stone unturned as they battle for supremacy on the field. The outcome will depend on which team can impose its will and execute the game plan more effectively.
This Sunday’s clash between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams looks like an exciting showdown. The Rams, with their potent passing game led by Matthew Stafford, will test the Lions’ secondary. Detroit’s Jared Goff will aim to exploit any weaknesses in the Rams’ defense, particularly against his former team.
Expect a hard-fought battle as both teams strive for dominance. The Rams, anchored by Aaron Donald, boast a formidable defense. While the Lions have shown improvement on their defensive front. The coaching strategies of Dan Campbell and Sean McVay will add an interesting dimension to the game.
Our pick: The Detroit Lions to win the match in regulation.
Los Angeles Rams vs Detroit Lions Betting Picks
Both teams sit in the bottom half of the league in defensive and in the top ten for offensive rankings. That means it could end up a high-scoring match-up. There is simply just too much offensive firepower on each team. Betting on the LA Rams to win is an unlikely wager, as the sportsbook has the team from Los Angeles at +130. The Lions are the significant favorites this weekend and the odds at the sportsbook show it. Betting on Detroit is worth -169, meaning a ten-dollar wager would return $15.90.
Our pick: Over 51.5 Total Match Points.
Although the defensive ranking for the Lions seems subpar, this is because of their poor passing defense. The defensive passing yards sit 27th in the league. Detroit’s rushing defense is the second-best in the entire NFL in the fewest allowed rushing yards per game at 88.8. Kyren Williams, the Rams running back, will have a strenuous day on Sunday getting past the talented Detroit D-Line.
Our pick: Kyren Williams Under 82.5 Rushing Yards.
From being the 177th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to topping the rookie record charts, Puka Nacua has quickly become a sensation. The fifth-round pick for the Los Angeles Rams made history by setting a new rookie record for receiving yards. Nacua set the record in the recent 21-20 victory against the San Francisco 49ers. That was his seventh 100-plus-yard game of the season. Adding this with the poor passing defense of the Lions, we’re expecting a big day from Nacua and Cooper Kupp.
Our pick: Puka Nacua Over 6.5 Receptions & Puka Nacua Over 77.5 Receiving Yards.
This season, Amon-Ra St. Brown has amassed an impressive 1,515 receiving yards, ranking him third in the NFL. These yards have been the result of 164 targets and 119 receptions, securing him to the second spot in the league in both categories. St. Brown has averaged 94.7 receiving yards and 7.4 catches per game. He has also notched 10 receiving touchdowns, placing him fourth in the NFL this season. An Amon-Ra anytime touchdown bet could also be a favorable choice.
Our pick: Amon-Ra St. Brown Over 7.5 Receptions & Amon Ra St. Brown Over 88.5 Receiving Yards
Deep passing defense stats per FTN: They define a deep pass as 20 or more air yards.
The Rams have allowed 928 yards (4th most in NFL) and 8 touchdowns (tied for 2nd most in NFL)
The Lions have allowed 816 yards (10th most) and 4 touchdowns (tied for sixth most)
— Mike Payton (@AtoZ_Payton) January 9, 2024
Los Angeles Rams Team News & Lineups
Returning to Detroit as a visitor for the first time, Matthew Stafford will fancy his chances. He boasts more wins (41), passing yards (23,051), and passing touchdowns (156) at Ford Field than all other Lions quarterbacks combined. With an NFL-best 15 passing touchdowns from Weeks 12-17, Stafford arrives in high spirits for this reunion with his former home of 12 seasons.
The Los Angeles Rams are heading into their Wild Card matchup against Detroit with several key players nursing injuries. Offensive guard Kevin Dotson is dealing with a shoulder injury. He managed limited practice on Thursday, making his status questionable for the game. Tight end Tyler Higbee is also nursing a shoulder injury. He too faced limited practice on Thursday. Offensive guard Joe Noteboom and linebacker Troy Reeder missed Thursday’s practice, adding to the Rams’ injury concerns.
Other players not expected to make the game on the weekend include Jordan Fuller, Shaun Jolly, and Stetson Bennett. Jolly is a fresh addition to the injured reserve list and Bennett is out because of illness. That’s several prominent personnel unavailable for the Wild Card game this weekend.
Detroit Lions Team News & Lineups
Jared Goff is set to outshine the Rams in a quest for sweet revenge. This marks Goff’s first playoff start since a 32-18 defeat in the 2020 NFC divisional round against Green Bay. Goff has thrown 42 touchdowns and only nine interceptions over the last two years at Ford Field. His aim this year is to lead the Lions to postseason success. The Detroit Lions tight end James Mitchell is suffering the effects of a hand injury. His status in the game remains questionable. Cornerback Jerry Jacobs has a thigh injury and did not practice on Thursday.
The Lions have significant injury concerns heading into the Wild Card game. Offensive guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai is on Injured Reserve because of a back injury. Wide receiver Kalif Raymond has a knee issue. He did not practice on Thursday, most likely ruling him out of the next game. Defensive back Emmanuel Moseley and running back Zonovan Knight remain out of action.
Sam LaPorta Update:
When Detroit Lions’ rookie tight end, Sam LaPorta, the last game with a knee injury, initial fears suggested a prolonged absence. However, in a surprising turn of events, LaPorta made a swift return to Lions practice on Thursday. LaPorta not only engaged in practice but also expressed optimism about his chances of taking the field in the upcoming Wild Card clash. His potential return would be significant for the Lions, especially considering his impactful rookie season.
Throughout his debut season, LaPorta showcased his prowess as a reliable tight end. He amassed an impressive 86 catches for 889 yards and contributed ten touchdowns. Such a remarkable performance is rare for a rookie tight end in the NFL. Nevertheless, LaPorta is a key asset in the Lions’ passing offense. He quickly emerged as the clear No. 2 option behind Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The optimism surrounding LaPorta’s return is a significant relief for the Lions, who initially faced the prospect of a crucial offensive weapon being sidelined. His comeback provides the Lions with added firepower and underscores the resilience of the rookie. LaPorta’s rapid recovery stirred discussions about the decision to play starters in the Week 18 finale. Especially since there were limited chances to improve their playoff seeding. But, the recent news suggests the benefits of keeping the team in rhythm have outweighed the potential risks.
